What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke
Theodora Quirke has no reason to be merry. It's bad enough that she has to work on Christmas Eve but now there's a drunk bloke dressed as Santa and claiming to be St Nick hanging around outside her flat. Given he's professing to be the giver of Christmas miracles and nearly 2000 years old, she's wary.
Things get even more weird when St Nick insists he's there to save Theo. And with the next St Nicholas Day somehow fast approaching, he's even got a plan that'll change her life forever.
It all seems pretty straightforward, apart for one awkward fact:
Theodora Quirke doesn't actually need saving.
Things get even more weird when St Nick insists he's there to save Theo. And with the next St Nicholas Day somehow fast approaching, he's even got a plan that'll change her life forever.
It all seems pretty straightforward, apart for one awkward fact:
Theodora Quirke doesn't actually need saving.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2020
7 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2020
My review on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
The latest novel from the author Caroline Smailes The Drowning of Arthur Braxton film is coming in the Autumn 2020.
A Christmas Carol meets stranger things funny, sweaty and moving festive story.
As I born 3 days before Christmas I absolutely love reading Christmas novels. I normally read the romantic Christmas stories, so reading this funny quirky book made an awesome refreshing change.
Do you believe in Christmas magic ? Do you believe in miracles? Well this will be a memorising Christmas story that I won’t forget.
There’s an element of attraction with Santa Clause, with a difference. Nineteen year old Theodora Quirke know as Theo for short, on Christmas Eve thinks she has met Santa Clause, but he is Nikolaos of Myra, commonly known as St Nicholas. Extraordinary once it was Christmas Eve, now magically she has travelled back in time, getting back to her family.
I loved the Christmas fantasy escapism with not knowing where this story will take me and surprisingly up to the last page.
I recommend The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke by Caroline Smailes as the author is right on her top of her game with this unusual fantastic Christmas fantasy with St Nicholas and Theodora Quirke.
The latest novel from the author Caroline Smailes The Drowning of Arthur Braxton film is coming in the Autumn 2020.
A Christmas Carol meets stranger things funny, sweaty and moving festive story.
As I born 3 days before Christmas I absolutely love reading Christmas novels. I normally read the romantic Christmas stories, so reading this funny quirky book made an awesome refreshing change.
Do you believe in Christmas magic ? Do you believe in miracles? Well this will be a memorising Christmas story that I won’t forget.
There’s an element of attraction with Santa Clause, with a difference. Nineteen year old Theodora Quirke know as Theo for short, on Christmas Eve thinks she has met Santa Clause, but he is Nikolaos of Myra, commonly known as St Nicholas. Extraordinary once it was Christmas Eve, now magically she has travelled back in time, getting back to her family.
I loved the Christmas fantasy escapism with not knowing where this story will take me and surprisingly up to the last page.
I recommend The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke by Caroline Smailes as the author is right on her top of her game with this unusual fantastic Christmas fantasy with St Nicholas and Theodora Quirke.
November 11, 2020
They warn us, don't they? Not to be fooled by a book's pretty cover. Well, I did fell for this, really, really hard. I thought looking at the glossy red pretty cover that this book is going to be full of Christmas and joy and festive fun. Boy I could not be more wrong about it.
Theo is a very young girl who has already faced a life that no girl should ever experience. So much loss that made me shudder. She now lives in a foster care at the rough edge of the village. The story begins on a winter night when Theo finds St Nick at the doorstep to Dante House (foster home) and then they go on a journey together into Theo's past where St Nick shows her glimpses, making her believe in life and future. That she was loved by her mother. That she could still live a life after losing her loving, caring boyfriend Gabe in a terrible, terrible way.
Meanwhile, there is a separate story of Dottie Smith who is also a victim of loss and trying to build herself together. She has had an encounter from St Nick and she is a believer. She brings together similar people who'd experienced miracles from St.Nick and the little group are friendly, almost like a family. But, she makes one terrible mistake and she will regret it until the day she dies.
Dear Lord, it's been so long since I cried like a little girl reading books and falling over fictional characters and stories. Caroline Smailes had me weeping, sobbing hard for every single chapter, and long after I'd completed reading the book, while I lay there thinking about what I'd just read. What an emotional roller coaster of a book. So beautifully written.
This is a book about trust, and finding oneself when life had been cruel taking away loved ones, leaving a gaping whole that can never be filled ever again. I loved Theo so much that I cried with her for everything she had to face. Yes, she is fictional and no I did not think of her that way. The conversations between St Nick and Theo are snort out funny and uplifting, a complex mix that is totally, completely honest.
The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke is a unique story that cannot be categorized into a specific genre. I should warn that this book might make you cry, so if you are warmhearted (like me) you'll have to pull yourself together in order to read the ending which will surely lift your spirits.
Theo is a very young girl who has already faced a life that no girl should ever experience. So much loss that made me shudder. She now lives in a foster care at the rough edge of the village. The story begins on a winter night when Theo finds St Nick at the doorstep to Dante House (foster home) and then they go on a journey together into Theo's past where St Nick shows her glimpses, making her believe in life and future. That she was loved by her mother. That she could still live a life after losing her loving, caring boyfriend Gabe in a terrible, terrible way.
Meanwhile, there is a separate story of Dottie Smith who is also a victim of loss and trying to build herself together. She has had an encounter from St Nick and she is a believer. She brings together similar people who'd experienced miracles from St.Nick and the little group are friendly, almost like a family. But, she makes one terrible mistake and she will regret it until the day she dies.
Dear Lord, it's been so long since I cried like a little girl reading books and falling over fictional characters and stories. Caroline Smailes had me weeping, sobbing hard for every single chapter, and long after I'd completed reading the book, while I lay there thinking about what I'd just read. What an emotional roller coaster of a book. So beautifully written.
This is a book about trust, and finding oneself when life had been cruel taking away loved ones, leaving a gaping whole that can never be filled ever again. I loved Theo so much that I cried with her for everything she had to face. Yes, she is fictional and no I did not think of her that way. The conversations between St Nick and Theo are snort out funny and uplifting, a complex mix that is totally, completely honest.
The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke is a unique story that cannot be categorized into a specific genre. I should warn that this book might make you cry, so if you are warmhearted (like me) you'll have to pull yourself together in order to read the ending which will surely lift your spirits.
November 8, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE UNWRAPPING OF THEODORA QUIRKE by Caroline Smailes is quirky, fun, and emotional all at the same time. When St. Nick shows up at her door, Theo has no clue how this event will change her life. Together, they will try to figure out how to decipher the weird message Nick received concerning Theo: “SAVE THEO – SPITFIRE AND ORAL”. They will travel in the past to revisit some of Theo’s defining moments. While doing so, Theo will face her greatest pain and will also discover her life calling. It is a fun read with lots of crude humorous moments. It will make you appreciate the good in this world.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, REDDOOR PRESS for including me in the blog tour and for sending me an ARC of this fun book. THE UNWRAPPING OF THEODORA QUIRKE by Caroline Smailes is available on the RedDoor Website or on Amazon.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography
October 17, 2020
It is no secret that I am a massive Caroline Smailes fan. I have read all of her novels, and also The Finding of Martha Lost which she wrote under the name of Caroline Wallace. I was so thrilled to receive a copy of #TheodoraQuirke, it's been a long time ...
Caroline Smailes loves Christmas, there is no doubt of that. Personally, I'm more of a 'Bah Humbug' myself and it's not often that a Christmas-themed book will find its way onto my blog. However, I do know that this author writes unusual and unique stories, so I was certain that this was going to be festive book I'd enjoy.
What an extraordinary story this is! This is Christmas themed, but not the joyous holiday that you know of. The title is absolutely perfect, as this clever author slowly and surely unwraps Theodora Quirke, reveals to the reader, and to Theo herself, just how damaged and fragile she is. We and she also learn just what an incredible, brave and totally amazing person she is too.
The story begins on the night of Christmas Eve as Theodora is about to leave for a night shift 'wiping shitty arses', nobody else wants the night before Christmas shift and Theo is perfectly happy to do it. After all, she's alone and unloved. What else is there to do?
However, Theo doesn't make it to work that night. She meets St Nicholas of Myra on the doorstep of her shared living accommodation, and this unkempt, smelly and pretty dirty version of Santa Claus is about to change her life.
This is a sweary book. Theo has spent much of her life in foster-care, she's old before her time, she's suffered and she is still suffering. She swears, as would any of us in her position. Just wanted to point that out ..
With hints of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but in glorious technicolour instead of the muted greys and browns that we are used to, St Nick takes Theo and shows her scenes from her past. There are utterly heartbreaking moments, when Theo sees her mother; a sad, frightened girl, younger than Theo is herself. The first time we see Gabe; Theo's boyfriend; the guy whose death has shattered her already fragile heart into the tiniest pieces. It's wonderful, enlightening stuff. It's also packed with humour too, a welcome and sharp contrast to what could be so so bleak.
There's another story interwined throughout the novel. That of Dottie; another grieving woman, another woman whose heart has been torn. Dottie's life changed so much when she made the decision to go for drinks with her work-mates. She will regret that decision until the day that she dies. However Dottie has faith. Her faith is in St Nick, and how he performs tiny miracles all over the world for the people who need them the most.
Theo and St Nick face challenges along their journey, it's certainly not an easy ride. Not a case of 'here's what you were, what you are and what you could be' and go back to bed and all will be well in the morning. Oh no, there is so much more here. It is an absolutely wonderful story, written with warmth and passion. A story of loss, but such a story of hope. It's just exactly what Christmas is about.
Bravo Caroline Smailes, this really is magnificent.
Caroline Smailes loves Christmas, there is no doubt of that. Personally, I'm more of a 'Bah Humbug' myself and it's not often that a Christmas-themed book will find its way onto my blog. However, I do know that this author writes unusual and unique stories, so I was certain that this was going to be festive book I'd enjoy.
What an extraordinary story this is! This is Christmas themed, but not the joyous holiday that you know of. The title is absolutely perfect, as this clever author slowly and surely unwraps Theodora Quirke, reveals to the reader, and to Theo herself, just how damaged and fragile she is. We and she also learn just what an incredible, brave and totally amazing person she is too.
The story begins on the night of Christmas Eve as Theodora is about to leave for a night shift 'wiping shitty arses', nobody else wants the night before Christmas shift and Theo is perfectly happy to do it. After all, she's alone and unloved. What else is there to do?
However, Theo doesn't make it to work that night. She meets St Nicholas of Myra on the doorstep of her shared living accommodation, and this unkempt, smelly and pretty dirty version of Santa Claus is about to change her life.
This is a sweary book. Theo has spent much of her life in foster-care, she's old before her time, she's suffered and she is still suffering. She swears, as would any of us in her position. Just wanted to point that out ..
With hints of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but in glorious technicolour instead of the muted greys and browns that we are used to, St Nick takes Theo and shows her scenes from her past. There are utterly heartbreaking moments, when Theo sees her mother; a sad, frightened girl, younger than Theo is herself. The first time we see Gabe; Theo's boyfriend; the guy whose death has shattered her already fragile heart into the tiniest pieces. It's wonderful, enlightening stuff. It's also packed with humour too, a welcome and sharp contrast to what could be so so bleak.
There's another story interwined throughout the novel. That of Dottie; another grieving woman, another woman whose heart has been torn. Dottie's life changed so much when she made the decision to go for drinks with her work-mates. She will regret that decision until the day that she dies. However Dottie has faith. Her faith is in St Nick, and how he performs tiny miracles all over the world for the people who need them the most.
Theo and St Nick face challenges along their journey, it's certainly not an easy ride. Not a case of 'here's what you were, what you are and what you could be' and go back to bed and all will be well in the morning. Oh no, there is so much more here. It is an absolutely wonderful story, written with warmth and passion. A story of loss, but such a story of hope. It's just exactly what Christmas is about.
Bravo Caroline Smailes, this really is magnificent.
January 18, 2021
I want to keep it short and sweet. Like most people in the review section, I was fooled by the bright cover and intriguing blurb. This book hit me right in the emotions. It gives the perfect message of what Christmas is all about and how we deal with grief. It can be dark, but you won't want to put it down!
November 1, 2020
Welcome to my little window on this wonderful early advent calendar. It’s almost Halloween too, which is quite fitting as this isn’t your usual squeaky clean fairy tale. Though it is full of magic…
The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke is best described as a festive, funny, magical, weird, NSFW tale, stuffed as full as a turkey with the kind of dark whimsy that we have come to expect from Ms. Smailes. Thanks must go to the author and the Red Door team for sending me an advance copy and inviting me to be a part of the blog tour for this wonderful book.
So let us begin: Our heroine, Theodora Quirke has had a difficult life so far and the poor kid is only 19. In and out of care as a child, she is recently bereaved and has lost so much more than her partner. She’s going through the motions of recovery, but doesn’t see how she’s ever going to move on – nor is she sure that she actually wants to. Grown-Ups tell her that because she’s young, she’ll just ‘get over it’, or that she has no idea what real loss is, seemingly ignoring the fact that young love is so passionate, and all-consuming, not to mention that the entire life she had planned out for herself has just gone, rather unceremoniously, down the toilet.
So it’s no surprise that when we first encounter Theo, she’s delivering a fairly standard potty mouthed tirade to a 2000 year old man dressed in a Santa Suit that she finds on the steps of her accomodation brandishing a “parasol” (she’s fairly sure it’s an umbrella? What actually is the difference?) Well, ok perhaps there are elements of that situation that would present a teeny little bit of a surprise, but you get my point.
So turns out it’s not Santa, it’s St Nick (yes there is a difference and please don’t let him hear you ask that question or there’ll be ructions). St Nick is smarting very badly from the over commercialisation of his image into the capitalist icon of Santa Claus and boy, does he show it. He’s really let himself go. Theo’s torn between feeling some magic around her when he tells his story and thinking he’s just a weirdo guy from the YMCA that’s found himself at a loose end on a wet evening and is tormenting a random, sad-eyed girl for a bit of malevolent fun.
St Nick informs Theo that he has been sent to ‘rescue’ her. He has instructions – although they’re a little disturbing and he thinks they’ve got some how scrambled along the way. St Nick turns out to be in the business of delivering magic and showing people things that they need to see – like what really happened on those occasions in the past that you *think* you know about. Turns out he even took a certain author named Mr Dickens on one of these tours back in the day, and is still peeved that he didn’t even get so much as a credit in the book (Yes, you know which one I’m talking about).
First off, Theo doesn’t need rescuing and she’s pretty fed up of people suggesting it. Secondly, this is just too weird. Once he’s shown her what she needs to see, the ever erratic Nick then announces that he’s had some cryptic messages that come from the people who run Christmas – the Higher Powers – and they want her to be recruited as the first ever female Christmas Angel. It’s all a bit much, to be honest, and that’s before she finds out that she would have to agree to become immortal, thus never reuniting in the heavenly realm with the aptly named Gabriel – her lost love.
Enter stage left a literal evil twin. I won’t use his real name because I don’t want to give too much away, but through the power of Social Media he gets a hold of some of the people who have received a Christmas Miracle from St Nick in the past and does the very best he can to turn this situation on its head. His master plan is to discredit our guy so that he can take over Christmas World himself – and with Thanos-like overtones, he believes he can quieten the unruly amongst our broken society with fear, including kidnapping the naughtiest children and keeping them in his lair for a year (yes, he has a lair, he’s a proper baddie).
So as you can see, there’s a lot going on. It’s a real sleigh ride. If you’re someone who believes in the magic of Christmas like me (I’m a Christmas Eve baby, or ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ as I’m known to my family) then you’ll devour this book without another word from me. If you’re a little less interested in magic and whimsy, what you need to know about this book is that it’s not a fairy tale, there are sprinkles of glitter throughout, but they come from dirty puddles, from food caked beards and orange speedos straining against an obese man’s belly (I’ve not gone mad, these things are all part of the tale).
Caroline’s writing reminds me of Quentin Tarantino’s directing style in some ways (bear with me). He puts opposites together that emphasise each of those things individually – he has the good, the bad, the violence, the passion and the wickedly, inappropriately funny, and it shouldn’t really work – but it just does. Well Caroline manages to do something similar with magic and whimsy – she keeps the charm and the magic and the fun but avoids the twee by a mile. She makes it darker, makes it dirty, makes it sweary, and makes the magic feel so bloody real because she doesn’t sugar coat it. There were some phrases that were so real to me that they made me stop in my tracks – thoughts about fear, about expectation and what we miss out on if we don’t have faith in ourselves. The terror of realising you’ve had a life half lived.
If the shit things can happen, why can’t the magic happen too?
As a final point, there are a few things I’ve come to know about the lovely Caroline Smailes, the first is that she absolutely adores Christmas, the second is that she absolutely adores Liverpool. She shows both of those things off in this book (you’ll spot a few references to locally loved spots and also the dragging of a certain ‘news’paper if you keep an eye out). When she first submitted this novel she was told that no-one wanted to read about a working class girl from Liverpool, but she kept going, and here we are. From someone born and bred in a working class scouse family- I feel represented by Theo Quirke. Now in true Christmas pantomime style, Caroline can now stick two firm, very sweary fingers up in the direction of these nay-sayers and shout ‘OH YES THEY DO’.
5/5 (if I could give it more, I would).
PS. We share a love of dinosaurs. This is important as you will find out.
The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke is best described as a festive, funny, magical, weird, NSFW tale, stuffed as full as a turkey with the kind of dark whimsy that we have come to expect from Ms. Smailes. Thanks must go to the author and the Red Door team for sending me an advance copy and inviting me to be a part of the blog tour for this wonderful book.
So let us begin: Our heroine, Theodora Quirke has had a difficult life so far and the poor kid is only 19. In and out of care as a child, she is recently bereaved and has lost so much more than her partner. She’s going through the motions of recovery, but doesn’t see how she’s ever going to move on – nor is she sure that she actually wants to. Grown-Ups tell her that because she’s young, she’ll just ‘get over it’, or that she has no idea what real loss is, seemingly ignoring the fact that young love is so passionate, and all-consuming, not to mention that the entire life she had planned out for herself has just gone, rather unceremoniously, down the toilet.
So it’s no surprise that when we first encounter Theo, she’s delivering a fairly standard potty mouthed tirade to a 2000 year old man dressed in a Santa Suit that she finds on the steps of her accomodation brandishing a “parasol” (she’s fairly sure it’s an umbrella? What actually is the difference?) Well, ok perhaps there are elements of that situation that would present a teeny little bit of a surprise, but you get my point.
So turns out it’s not Santa, it’s St Nick (yes there is a difference and please don’t let him hear you ask that question or there’ll be ructions). St Nick is smarting very badly from the over commercialisation of his image into the capitalist icon of Santa Claus and boy, does he show it. He’s really let himself go. Theo’s torn between feeling some magic around her when he tells his story and thinking he’s just a weirdo guy from the YMCA that’s found himself at a loose end on a wet evening and is tormenting a random, sad-eyed girl for a bit of malevolent fun.
St Nick informs Theo that he has been sent to ‘rescue’ her. He has instructions – although they’re a little disturbing and he thinks they’ve got some how scrambled along the way. St Nick turns out to be in the business of delivering magic and showing people things that they need to see – like what really happened on those occasions in the past that you *think* you know about. Turns out he even took a certain author named Mr Dickens on one of these tours back in the day, and is still peeved that he didn’t even get so much as a credit in the book (Yes, you know which one I’m talking about).
First off, Theo doesn’t need rescuing and she’s pretty fed up of people suggesting it. Secondly, this is just too weird. Once he’s shown her what she needs to see, the ever erratic Nick then announces that he’s had some cryptic messages that come from the people who run Christmas – the Higher Powers – and they want her to be recruited as the first ever female Christmas Angel. It’s all a bit much, to be honest, and that’s before she finds out that she would have to agree to become immortal, thus never reuniting in the heavenly realm with the aptly named Gabriel – her lost love.
Enter stage left a literal evil twin. I won’t use his real name because I don’t want to give too much away, but through the power of Social Media he gets a hold of some of the people who have received a Christmas Miracle from St Nick in the past and does the very best he can to turn this situation on its head. His master plan is to discredit our guy so that he can take over Christmas World himself – and with Thanos-like overtones, he believes he can quieten the unruly amongst our broken society with fear, including kidnapping the naughtiest children and keeping them in his lair for a year (yes, he has a lair, he’s a proper baddie).
So as you can see, there’s a lot going on. It’s a real sleigh ride. If you’re someone who believes in the magic of Christmas like me (I’m a Christmas Eve baby, or ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ as I’m known to my family) then you’ll devour this book without another word from me. If you’re a little less interested in magic and whimsy, what you need to know about this book is that it’s not a fairy tale, there are sprinkles of glitter throughout, but they come from dirty puddles, from food caked beards and orange speedos straining against an obese man’s belly (I’ve not gone mad, these things are all part of the tale).
Caroline’s writing reminds me of Quentin Tarantino’s directing style in some ways (bear with me). He puts opposites together that emphasise each of those things individually – he has the good, the bad, the violence, the passion and the wickedly, inappropriately funny, and it shouldn’t really work – but it just does. Well Caroline manages to do something similar with magic and whimsy – she keeps the charm and the magic and the fun but avoids the twee by a mile. She makes it darker, makes it dirty, makes it sweary, and makes the magic feel so bloody real because she doesn’t sugar coat it. There were some phrases that were so real to me that they made me stop in my tracks – thoughts about fear, about expectation and what we miss out on if we don’t have faith in ourselves. The terror of realising you’ve had a life half lived.
If the shit things can happen, why can’t the magic happen too?
As a final point, there are a few things I’ve come to know about the lovely Caroline Smailes, the first is that she absolutely adores Christmas, the second is that she absolutely adores Liverpool. She shows both of those things off in this book (you’ll spot a few references to locally loved spots and also the dragging of a certain ‘news’paper if you keep an eye out). When she first submitted this novel she was told that no-one wanted to read about a working class girl from Liverpool, but she kept going, and here we are. From someone born and bred in a working class scouse family- I feel represented by Theo Quirke. Now in true Christmas pantomime style, Caroline can now stick two firm, very sweary fingers up in the direction of these nay-sayers and shout ‘OH YES THEY DO’.
5/5 (if I could give it more, I would).
PS. We share a love of dinosaurs. This is important as you will find out.
November 9, 2020
It is now getting to that time of year where we can start to look forward to enjoying the Christmas season. It will definitely be a bit different this year due to the ongoing pandemic. However, I can definitely advise that this book should be one you add to your Christmas reading list. It is full of Christmas cheer and is a glorious escape to the magical life of St Nick who I adored!
This is kind of like a modern take on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens when St Nick takes Theo on a journey back to watch some major events in her life. Theo is feeling lonely and feels like she is just existing and not living. It is a very touching and heart felt story but it also has a comedic twist to it.
The author’s writing is magical. She is able to write about characters who feel so real that you are emotionally attached to each one. To be able to make me laugh one minute and then sob the next shows you how talented she is to get a reaction out of a reader like that.
This is a warm, witty and festive feelgood read which tells you that there is always hope and people are always there for you, no matter how hard things get in life.
Whilst reading this I suggest you pour yourself a hot chocolate, wrap yourself up in a blanket, stick on some Christmas tunes and unwind to this feel good read.
This is kind of like a modern take on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens when St Nick takes Theo on a journey back to watch some major events in her life. Theo is feeling lonely and feels like she is just existing and not living. It is a very touching and heart felt story but it also has a comedic twist to it.
The author’s writing is magical. She is able to write about characters who feel so real that you are emotionally attached to each one. To be able to make me laugh one minute and then sob the next shows you how talented she is to get a reaction out of a reader like that.
This is a warm, witty and festive feelgood read which tells you that there is always hope and people are always there for you, no matter how hard things get in life.
Whilst reading this I suggest you pour yourself a hot chocolate, wrap yourself up in a blanket, stick on some Christmas tunes and unwind to this feel good read.
October 23, 2020
As someone who loves a good seasonal book I was really excited by this, especially because it seemed so different from the standard Christmas books (which I love as well) and it really didn't disappoint! The cover looks like a Christmas tree, there's a quote from Dr Suess 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and Santa appears in the first paragraph - could it sound much better?
We are interested to both Theo and St Nick immediately and I have to say I really liked them both as characters, Theo for her no-nonsense personality and Nick for the brashness and normality of him. As the story progresses we learn more about both characters and see that there is a depth to them both which you wouldn't really expect. How they both encounter and deal with grief forms a big part of this book - much more so than I was expecting.
The quote about A Christmas Carol really is fitting and Dickens himself is mentioned a few times throughout this book - there are quite a few scenes that took me straight back to the original film! I loved the different scenes that Nick took Theo to and these were the chapters that really unpicked her character and past.
We were also introduced to Dottie Smith quite early on and, although I'm not always a fan of a different chapter per character, I was able to easily distinguish between the different character perspectives. I think the change of font and style of writing really helped with this and it created a visible difference as well. I really liked the conversation style of these chapters and it really helped to lighten the mood at times when you needed it.
This book really wasn't what I was expecting but I actually really enjoyed it and it reminded me of quite a few different favourite Christmas films. I think the biggest surprise was the focus on grief and I would say that this could potentially be a trigger but don't let it put you off as it's written about in such a good, comforting way!
It wasn't what I expected and it's not a Christmas love story like most Christmas themed books but its because of this that it stands out from the crowd and offers something different. If you liked A Christmas Carol and enjoy films about St Nick - NOT Santa ;) then this is a book for you!
We are interested to both Theo and St Nick immediately and I have to say I really liked them both as characters, Theo for her no-nonsense personality and Nick for the brashness and normality of him. As the story progresses we learn more about both characters and see that there is a depth to them both which you wouldn't really expect. How they both encounter and deal with grief forms a big part of this book - much more so than I was expecting.
The quote about A Christmas Carol really is fitting and Dickens himself is mentioned a few times throughout this book - there are quite a few scenes that took me straight back to the original film! I loved the different scenes that Nick took Theo to and these were the chapters that really unpicked her character and past.
We were also introduced to Dottie Smith quite early on and, although I'm not always a fan of a different chapter per character, I was able to easily distinguish between the different character perspectives. I think the change of font and style of writing really helped with this and it created a visible difference as well. I really liked the conversation style of these chapters and it really helped to lighten the mood at times when you needed it.
This book really wasn't what I was expecting but I actually really enjoyed it and it reminded me of quite a few different favourite Christmas films. I think the biggest surprise was the focus on grief and I would say that this could potentially be a trigger but don't let it put you off as it's written about in such a good, comforting way!
It wasn't what I expected and it's not a Christmas love story like most Christmas themed books but its because of this that it stands out from the crowd and offers something different. If you liked A Christmas Carol and enjoy films about St Nick - NOT Santa ;) then this is a book for you!
December 24, 2020
This book was absolutely unreal! I absolutely loved the story of st nick and loved it even more as it’s set in my home town Liverpool! Would definitely recommend this to anyone and will be buying more if Caroline’s books as I love her writing style
December 17, 2020
At Christmas I am always looking for books that don’t have romance as the central theme. When I heard about this book I thought that it was going to be perfect. It sounded like a modern twist on A Christmas Carol. The first part of the book is a bit like A Christmas Carol. Rather than a ghost there is Saint Nicholas. This is where I had a problem. The depiction of Saint Nicholas was not at all how you would imagine a Saint to be. I was left quite confused as I have no idea whether he was written this way so he was more relatable to the main Character of Theodora. The second half of the book was a bit more fantasy than the first half and I didn’t enjoy it as much. This is definitely not a light and fluffy book. Theodora has had a very tough life and parts of this did make me cry.
December 28, 2020
It's good but not a christmas classic good. It needed a bit more content for me, just seemed to get a bit lost in the middle.
December 30, 2020
This started off really interesting and unusual but it dragged on and just got ridiculous.
Read
November 12, 2020Crossed between A Christmas Carol and The Grinch who Stole Christmas, Caroline Smaile's latest novel, The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke, is a festive story about redemption and coping with loss, is a book full of hope and is exactly what we need for 2020's festive period.
Theo, consumed by grief from the loss of her boyfriend, leaves her flat on Christmas Eve and finds St Nicholas of Myra - the Saint people think is Santa Claus, waiting for her. Dressed in his traditional red suit, and proclaiming he is St Nick, Theo isn't convinced, thinking him to be some drunk old fat man trying to make a nuisance of himself.
She isn't in the mood for working on Christmas Eve, she isn't in the mood for Christmas and she definitely isn't in the mood for St Nick and his apparent miracles. Yet, she is curious to know why he has picked her.
St Nick is there to save Theo, and has also been sent a cryptic message from head office that Theo is going to be the first female Christmas Angel. He takes her through her Christmas past, seeing the mother she lost when she was very young before going into care, seeing the time she met her boyfriend for the first time, seeing him for the last time as he dies. St Nick gives Theo the miracle of hope, that her life is worth living and she is loved.
As Theo goes through her training, her confidence grows, her grief evolves as she finds a place for herself in the Christmas world. Caroline write such warm, and complex characters that you can't help by cheer along in their journey. This is why I really enjoy reading her books as she delves into the darkest secrets and lives of her characters and creates hope and a determination to grow as a stronger person. Both Theo and St Nick, at different stages of this novel feel like loss and despair have consumed them but through grit and determination show that hope will win.
But her training comes to a stop when St Nick's brother turns up, Krampus, who is full of jealousy and bitterness, wants the world to celebrate him. St Nick loses all hope as he reads about his popularity dropping and the world cheering for Krampus (I pictured Krampus to look like a certain US President). He doesn't want to get out of bed, doesn't want to work - Christmas is possibly over. It's left up to Theo to save Christmas miracles and make sure the world remembers St Nick.
Not only does this book tackle loss, grief, the dangers of social media fame but is also funny, festive and full of sweary humour. This is such a comforting back and really is a tonic for 2020.
This book needs to come with a warning that reading it will give you the sudden urge to put up Christmas decorations and buying wrapping even though it isn't December. At the time of writing this, I haven't yet put up my tree but I've been seriously considering It!
Theo, consumed by grief from the loss of her boyfriend, leaves her flat on Christmas Eve and finds St Nicholas of Myra - the Saint people think is Santa Claus, waiting for her. Dressed in his traditional red suit, and proclaiming he is St Nick, Theo isn't convinced, thinking him to be some drunk old fat man trying to make a nuisance of himself.
She isn't in the mood for working on Christmas Eve, she isn't in the mood for Christmas and she definitely isn't in the mood for St Nick and his apparent miracles. Yet, she is curious to know why he has picked her.
St Nick is there to save Theo, and has also been sent a cryptic message from head office that Theo is going to be the first female Christmas Angel. He takes her through her Christmas past, seeing the mother she lost when she was very young before going into care, seeing the time she met her boyfriend for the first time, seeing him for the last time as he dies. St Nick gives Theo the miracle of hope, that her life is worth living and she is loved.
As Theo goes through her training, her confidence grows, her grief evolves as she finds a place for herself in the Christmas world. Caroline write such warm, and complex characters that you can't help by cheer along in their journey. This is why I really enjoy reading her books as she delves into the darkest secrets and lives of her characters and creates hope and a determination to grow as a stronger person. Both Theo and St Nick, at different stages of this novel feel like loss and despair have consumed them but through grit and determination show that hope will win.
But her training comes to a stop when St Nick's brother turns up, Krampus, who is full of jealousy and bitterness, wants the world to celebrate him. St Nick loses all hope as he reads about his popularity dropping and the world cheering for Krampus (I pictured Krampus to look like a certain US President). He doesn't want to get out of bed, doesn't want to work - Christmas is possibly over. It's left up to Theo to save Christmas miracles and make sure the world remembers St Nick.
Not only does this book tackle loss, grief, the dangers of social media fame but is also funny, festive and full of sweary humour. This is such a comforting back and really is a tonic for 2020.
This book needs to come with a warning that reading it will give you the sudden urge to put up Christmas decorations and buying wrapping even though it isn't December. At the time of writing this, I haven't yet put up my tree but I've been seriously considering It!
October 29, 2020
Theodora volunteered to do the Christmas shift at work because she is the only team member who doesn't have a family to spend it with. Whilst her night couldn't get any more depressing it could definitely get more interesting and just her luck - it does! A scraggly looking man claiming to be St Nicholas appears on her doorstep and claims he is there to save her, but does Theo need saving?
Thank you to Red Door Press for delivering a wonderful read once again and for letting me be a part of their blog tour for Caroline Smailes new release published 15th October 2020!
Theodora is your typical "I do not need saving" main character but Smailes has been able to add a hint of desperation to her that although she doesn't outwardly emit you can read through her expressions and interactions with others. I appreciated the undertones of Theo's character and the snippets of attitude throughout that made her a well-rounded character instead of a two-dimensional one that is common in Christmas novels. There is definitely more to her than originally meets the eye. The same can actually be said of all the main players in this novel, Smailes has created a collection of well-rounded characters that any of which you'd like to have a good natter with (maybe not Krampus).
As the story progresses the reader is led to question the greed of humankind, and whilst this looks like your typical happy festive story it definitely felt deeper than that at these points. Smailes intertwines speculation of how the population would take, take and take without giving in response to St Nick with the plot and I think this gives the perfect mirrored narrative between those who would deserve St Nick's miracles and those who need to reflect on our own greed.
Deep underlying commentary aside the story itself is great. Theo and Nick form a strange friendship, Dottie Smith reveals all during her time with the Spitfire St Nicholas Umbrella Collective which turns sinister and by combining the storylines the novel perfectly caps off a festive read for all. Although I would pre-warn those who dislike swearing, this isn't for the fainthearted!
The book throws you straight into the plot without much build up so the slow reveal of character and backstory was actually refreshing to see compared to the usual slow build stories. Although St Nick reveals the way he is able to travel all over in one night in the same fashion I did want it fleshing out a bit more so that the(spoiler) time-travelling he and Theodora do is explained in more detail - perhaps that is the sci-fi fan in me.
Theodora Quirke hits your emotions in all the right places and is the ideal run-up to Christmas read, plus the cover is an absolute corker - how beautiful!
Thank you to Red Door Press for delivering a wonderful read once again and for letting me be a part of their blog tour for Caroline Smailes new release published 15th October 2020!
Theodora is your typical "I do not need saving" main character but Smailes has been able to add a hint of desperation to her that although she doesn't outwardly emit you can read through her expressions and interactions with others. I appreciated the undertones of Theo's character and the snippets of attitude throughout that made her a well-rounded character instead of a two-dimensional one that is common in Christmas novels. There is definitely more to her than originally meets the eye. The same can actually be said of all the main players in this novel, Smailes has created a collection of well-rounded characters that any of which you'd like to have a good natter with (maybe not Krampus).
As the story progresses the reader is led to question the greed of humankind, and whilst this looks like your typical happy festive story it definitely felt deeper than that at these points. Smailes intertwines speculation of how the population would take, take and take without giving in response to St Nick with the plot and I think this gives the perfect mirrored narrative between those who would deserve St Nick's miracles and those who need to reflect on our own greed.
Deep underlying commentary aside the story itself is great. Theo and Nick form a strange friendship, Dottie Smith reveals all during her time with the Spitfire St Nicholas Umbrella Collective which turns sinister and by combining the storylines the novel perfectly caps off a festive read for all. Although I would pre-warn those who dislike swearing, this isn't for the fainthearted!
The book throws you straight into the plot without much build up so the slow reveal of character and backstory was actually refreshing to see compared to the usual slow build stories. Although St Nick reveals the way he is able to travel all over in one night in the same fashion I did want it fleshing out a bit more so that the(spoiler) time-travelling he and Theodora do is explained in more detail - perhaps that is the sci-fi fan in me.
Theodora Quirke hits your emotions in all the right places and is the ideal run-up to Christmas read, plus the cover is an absolute corker - how beautiful!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2020
Christmas came early with this book!
Theo isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. Shes working on Christmas eve until a weird guy shows up claiming to be St. Nick and claiming to have come to save her.
I love Christmas themed books and this was definitely Christmas themed! However, we don't just get the cosy, snuggly, warm white Christmas that some novels portray. Theodora has struggles in her life. She swears, she lives in shared accommodation, she doesn't need anyone in the world but herself. She doesn't need saving from anyone or anything. or so she thinks.
St. Nick isnt the visual representation we are used to, there's no jolly red suit and sack full of presents. We get unusual outfits, or sometimes no outfit at all, the one thing he always carries is an umbrella. We get 'A Christmas Carol' vibes when St. Nick takes Theo back into her past. She sees herself in her struggles, she sees her mum, her late boyfriend Gabe. she sees herself.
Although Theos past is dark, miserable and bleak, the book is filled with humour not just sadness as Theo comes to terms with past events that have shaped her life.
Along side Theo's story is Dottie's story! I really enjoy books with multiple perspectives and narratives and this is nicely done. Dottie has set up the Spitfire Umbrella Collective which is a group for people to join who have experienced a St. Nick miracle. This group is small but Dottie is determined to find and welcome people who have similar experiences. Dottie is full of faith in these Miracles and finds a way to connect people. Although this narrative is far from smooth sailing!
This novel includes humour, magic, warmth, compassion. But also sadness, loss and grief. This book has you laughing and crying and also reflecting on our own life and choices. Its not plain sailing, it's a bumpy ride for both Theo and Dottie and the reader! If you're looking for a light hearted cozy Christmas love story this book isn't the one, however, I highly recommend reading it to remember that not everyone's Christmas is a fun filled festive time. It's also a time for reflection and looking forward and not losing hope in ourselves.
Theo isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. Shes working on Christmas eve until a weird guy shows up claiming to be St. Nick and claiming to have come to save her.
I love Christmas themed books and this was definitely Christmas themed! However, we don't just get the cosy, snuggly, warm white Christmas that some novels portray. Theodora has struggles in her life. She swears, she lives in shared accommodation, she doesn't need anyone in the world but herself. She doesn't need saving from anyone or anything. or so she thinks.
St. Nick isnt the visual representation we are used to, there's no jolly red suit and sack full of presents. We get unusual outfits, or sometimes no outfit at all, the one thing he always carries is an umbrella. We get 'A Christmas Carol' vibes when St. Nick takes Theo back into her past. She sees herself in her struggles, she sees her mum, her late boyfriend Gabe. she sees herself.
Although Theos past is dark, miserable and bleak, the book is filled with humour not just sadness as Theo comes to terms with past events that have shaped her life.
Along side Theo's story is Dottie's story! I really enjoy books with multiple perspectives and narratives and this is nicely done. Dottie has set up the Spitfire Umbrella Collective which is a group for people to join who have experienced a St. Nick miracle. This group is small but Dottie is determined to find and welcome people who have similar experiences. Dottie is full of faith in these Miracles and finds a way to connect people. Although this narrative is far from smooth sailing!
This novel includes humour, magic, warmth, compassion. But also sadness, loss and grief. This book has you laughing and crying and also reflecting on our own life and choices. Its not plain sailing, it's a bumpy ride for both Theo and Dottie and the reader! If you're looking for a light hearted cozy Christmas love story this book isn't the one, however, I highly recommend reading it to remember that not everyone's Christmas is a fun filled festive time. It's also a time for reflection and looking forward and not losing hope in ourselves.
November 8, 2020
Having read Caroline Smailes' work before, I knew not to expect a typical fluffy Christmas story when I started The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke. What this is is a quirky (no pun intended) yet heart-warming story of a young woman who has lost everything she loves and who finds a way to live again.
Theo is 19 and already has suffered so much loss and upheaval in her life so when St Nick turns up on her doorstep she's understandably sceptical. Here's where it gets unusual, a little bit bonkers, and really rather lovely. St Nick is out to save her and even if she doesn't think she needs it, the journey ahead is destined to change her life.
I loved the way Smailes brought Theo and St Nick to life in such a glorious fashion. The book is set in Liverpool and there's a very down to earth feel about it that is characteristic of that city. It's also full of dry humour which had me smiling a lot. St Nick is quite a character and the descriptions of what he was wearing (or not, as was often the case) and his dubious cleanliness was fantastic and so funny.
I don't know how the author came up with such an original idea for a story but coupled with her trademark brilliant and sweary voice it makes for a winning combination.
This is a great book for this time of year as Christmas approaches, and if you like something that isn't saccharine but is still a feel-good story then look no further. It was an absolute pleasure to spend a couple of days in the company of Theo and St Nick in a world of miracles, the unexpected, friendship, loss and love.
Theo is 19 and already has suffered so much loss and upheaval in her life so when St Nick turns up on her doorstep she's understandably sceptical. Here's where it gets unusual, a little bit bonkers, and really rather lovely. St Nick is out to save her and even if she doesn't think she needs it, the journey ahead is destined to change her life.
I loved the way Smailes brought Theo and St Nick to life in such a glorious fashion. The book is set in Liverpool and there's a very down to earth feel about it that is characteristic of that city. It's also full of dry humour which had me smiling a lot. St Nick is quite a character and the descriptions of what he was wearing (or not, as was often the case) and his dubious cleanliness was fantastic and so funny.
I don't know how the author came up with such an original idea for a story but coupled with her trademark brilliant and sweary voice it makes for a winning combination.
This is a great book for this time of year as Christmas approaches, and if you like something that isn't saccharine but is still a feel-good story then look no further. It was an absolute pleasure to spend a couple of days in the company of Theo and St Nick in a world of miracles, the unexpected, friendship, loss and love.
November 2, 2020
Young, Theodora Quirke is in love. In love with a boy named Gabriel. In love with a boy who sadly passed away. Theo (as she likes to be known as,) feels like nothing else matters and life cannot possibly dig her out of this dark hole she's fallen into. One Christmas eve night on leaving her foster-home to work a night shift, Theodora meets a very lonely, grubby, homeless looking St Nick. Safe to say she doesn't make it to her job, but instead is whisked off on a modernised 'Christmas Carol' type adventure and in this moment, this poor excuse of Santa Claus changes her life forever...
My first Christmas book of the year and I loved it. I instantly fell in love with Theo and was hooked all the way through. The title is very apt for this novel and as a reader you slowly discover piece by piece, just how fragile and delicate young Theodora really is. Not your average type of Christmas read and definitely should come with a minor trigger warning for suicide and depression. Overall, I loved this novel and it really was a heart-warming book towards the end.
My first Christmas book of the year and I loved it. I instantly fell in love with Theo and was hooked all the way through. The title is very apt for this novel and as a reader you slowly discover piece by piece, just how fragile and delicate young Theodora really is. Not your average type of Christmas read and definitely should come with a minor trigger warning for suicide and depression. Overall, I loved this novel and it really was a heart-warming book towards the end.
December 29, 2020
I first heard of this book because Johnny Vegas gave it a glowing review on Twitter and I too wasn't disappointed. I'm not in to twee Christmas stories and this book is not one of those. The basic premise of the book is around the true meaning of Christmas not the commercialisation that it has become. The plot is broken up in to two main characters (Theodora and Dottie) who have two different stories. Initially the stories are very individualised but over the space of the book they begin to weave together until they overlap. I think this was done really well, I hadn't read many reviews beforehand to know that the two stories become linked and I think it was subtly and cleverly done.
Theodora and Dottie are similar in that they have both recently experienced the loss of close loved ones and are both paid a visit by the real St Nicholas who is nothing like the "Santa" we so closely associate with Christmas. Theodora's story has elements of the "Ghost of Christmas Past" about it as she travels back through defining points in her life with St Nicholas but this was never done in a cliched way. Dottie's story is different and much more focused on the present time.
I really enjoyed this book, before I read it I didn't read many reviews and so I wasn't sure what to expect and the cover doesn't give a lot away. It isn't a jolly Christmas read so if you are looking for a traditional, jolly, cliched story then it isn't for you. But if you are looking for a cleverly written, emotional book focusing on life and loss then you will enjoy it. I cried several times reading this book, it deals with grief beautifully, I think to some extent it would help those grieving or at least comfort them. Additionally I didn't work out the plotline until quite late on so this is another bonus point for the book as I hate when you can see what direction the book is going early on.
Theodora and Dottie are similar in that they have both recently experienced the loss of close loved ones and are both paid a visit by the real St Nicholas who is nothing like the "Santa" we so closely associate with Christmas. Theodora's story has elements of the "Ghost of Christmas Past" about it as she travels back through defining points in her life with St Nicholas but this was never done in a cliched way. Dottie's story is different and much more focused on the present time.
I really enjoyed this book, before I read it I didn't read many reviews and so I wasn't sure what to expect and the cover doesn't give a lot away. It isn't a jolly Christmas read so if you are looking for a traditional, jolly, cliched story then it isn't for you. But if you are looking for a cleverly written, emotional book focusing on life and loss then you will enjoy it. I cried several times reading this book, it deals with grief beautifully, I think to some extent it would help those grieving or at least comfort them. Additionally I didn't work out the plotline until quite late on so this is another bonus point for the book as I hate when you can see what direction the book is going early on.
July 27, 2022
This is a book about a girl who receives a "Christmas miracle" from St. Nick on December 6th - St. Nick's day and she basically escapes reality for about a year and befriends the hard to like St. Nick and all his idiosyncrasies. Theodora Quirke (Theo) loses the love of her life, the only person who ever treated her kindly, and she dives into a deep depression. St. Nick steps in and gives her a coveted miracle. But she still can't seem to get her life back on track. St. Nick himself is having a bit of a hard time. Together they work thru their issues and save each other. This book was odd, funny at times, far fetched at times, and only just ok for me.
December 27, 2020
I mainly picked up this book because of the name of the main character, and the fact that it's Christmas time.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, and I can totally see why people would really love the whole thing. But sadly, a lot of it fell flat with me. The choice of language when describing St Nick got very repetitive, it was very doom and gloom and I felt I didn't connect with Theo.
This is the first time I've read one of Caroline Smailes's books, so I suppose I didn't exactly know what I was getting into. Maybe it's something others would love, but not me personally.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, and I can totally see why people would really love the whole thing. But sadly, a lot of it fell flat with me. The choice of language when describing St Nick got very repetitive, it was very doom and gloom and I felt I didn't connect with Theo.
This is the first time I've read one of Caroline Smailes's books, so I suppose I didn't exactly know what I was getting into. Maybe it's something others would love, but not me personally.
January 23, 2021
I met Caroline through our writing blogs years ago and have been picking up her books ever since. With her books you always know you’re going to get something a little different, with a lot of heart. She often shares her love for Christmas, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.
It was everything I expected and more. This is not your typical Christmas story. It’s quirky and sweary, and a little bit weird, but it’s also lovely and full of heart. It left me smiling, hopeful, and laughing at the end. 🦕🎅⭐️
It was everything I expected and more. This is not your typical Christmas story. It’s quirky and sweary, and a little bit weird, but it’s also lovely and full of heart. It left me smiling, hopeful, and laughing at the end. 🦕🎅⭐️
July 6, 2021
you cannot write a Christmas book and then assert multiple time in the narrative that God does not exist. I understand that Christmas is a secular celebration to some but then don't make one of your main character a SAINT . so offensive on so many levels to anyone who holds any Christian beliefs. it is also so repetitive. how many times did she repeat that stupid Oral joke?
December 27, 2023
I found this a confusing mix of very salient societal commentary mixed with use of magic mixed with complete overuse of the f word, seemingly for comedic effect which sometimes worked and at other times was just jarring. A very odd read.
December 2, 2021
2.5 Stars
December 29, 2021
A charming book. I'd set myself the challenge of reading a Christmas book this season, and this was it. Certainly a quirky story but one with themes of hope. Fitted the challenge nicely.
December 30, 2021
This didn't go where I thought it was going go, and I throuroughly enjoyed it!
January 11, 2022
Festive, weird, amusing
October 12, 2022
Full of weirdness and wisdom.
December 14, 2022
Such a great read, very funny, and a nice alternative Christmas story.
December 18, 2022
I was very sceptical at first but actually ended up loving this! A nice easy read and very wholesome at Christmas
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews